The Walking Netball programme; developed through an exciting partnership between The NFWI and England Netball, has now officially launched.

April saw the first WIs signed up to the programme begin sessions with specially trained Walking Netball Hosts.

Lapwings WI were one of the first WIs to play Walking Netball and have been enjoying the sport since last year.

Lynne Stubbings, Chair of the NFWI, said: “We are delighted to be working with England Netball on this exciting project, and it is very encouraging that so many WI members have already expressed... ]]>

2018-05-11 09:54:09
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/walking-netball
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/hospitals-are-failing-dementia-patients-by-not-meeting-basic-care-needs,-say-carers
67% of carers said their loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease or dementia became worse as a result of their stay in hospital, according to a new report from the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) today.[i]

41% of carers said that ‘all or most of the time’ hospital staff did not meet their loved one’s care needs in relation to their dementia, and a further 36% said they were only met some of the time. During their hospital stay, 37% of dementia patients were reported to have lost weight, 27% became dehydrated and 15% became malnourished.

The NFWI (National Federation of Women’s Institutes) is launching a national debate on food poverty, with WI members across the country organising local events to look into how the issue affects people in their communities and nationally.

The WI has a long history of campaigning on food. The supply of food to the war-torn nation was central to the early activities of the 103-year-old organisation, and since then the challenges of ensuring a sustainable food supply, tackling poverty and protecting the environment have remained close to WI members’ hearts.

England Netball and The NFWI are delighted to announce a partnership that will see Walking Netball sessions provided to WIs across the country.

An open application period saw over 200 WIs express an interest in being part of this exciting project.

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play regardless of age or fitness level.

The partnership will see England Netball trained hosts deliver Walking Netball programmes which will conclude... ]]>

2018-01-11 11:19:11
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/england-netball-helping-wi-members-to-get-a-wiggle-on
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/red-flag-events-commonplace-on-labour-wards-as-midwives-are-pushed-to-the-limit
Dangerously low staffing levels mean that half of women (50%) experience at least one red-flag event during childbirth, according to a new report from the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) and NCT today.

According to The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), “red flag events” are signs that there may not be enough midwives available to give women and babies the care they need, for example having to wait more than 30 minutes to get pain relief or over an hour to be given stitches.

The report, ‘Support Overdue: Women’s experiences of maternity services 2017’, is the second NFWI... ]]>

“The publication of the Government’s gender pay gap regulations is an important step towards tackling gender inequality in the workplace. The WI has campaigned for equality between women and men for over 101 years, and in 1943 became one of the first organisations in the UK to call for equal pay for equal work across all professions. Whilst the latest figures show that the overall gender pay gap is decreasing, progress is still far too slow, and 46 years on from the Equal Pay Act, women still earn less than men.

“Research conducted for... ]]>

2016-12-09 12:40:17
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/nfwi-response-to-the-governments-gender-pay-gap-regulations
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/paris-climate-agreement
In light of the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement, the NFWI has released the following statement:

Marylyn Haines Evans, Chair of Public Affairs Committee, National Federation of Women's Institutes, said:“The ratification of the Paris Agreement is absolutely fantastic news for everyone. The WI has campaigned on environmental issues for many years, and we’re proud that so many of our members have joined calls for action to tackle the threat posed by climate change. It poses risks to so many things, like the British countryside that we love and want to preserve for future generations, and to women worldwide, who... ]]>

2016-11-18 10:44:30
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/paris-climate-agreement
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-launch-diverse-campaign-agenda
WI members selected two new mandates at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ (NFWI) Annual Meeting in Brighton on Saturday 11 June 2016, electing to call for appropriate care in hospitals for all people with dementia, and calling on all supermarkets to sign up to a voluntary commitment to reduce their food waste. Both topics were debated at the Annual Meeting today, which was attended by over 4,000 WI members from across the UK, and both topics will be the organisation’s campaigning focus going forward this year.

The resolutions in full are as follows:Avoid food waste, address food povertyThe... ]]>

2016-06-13 16:35:54
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-launch-diverse-campaign-agenda
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/nfwi-responds-to-comments-on-annual-meeting
The NFWI is deeply saddened to hear that some members did not enjoy some of the entertainment at this year's Annual Meeting and were upset by the songs chosen. The closing entertainment was planned to celebrate HM The Queen's birthday, and it was modelled on the songs selected for the last night of the proms. The WI was founded on the desire to provide an inclusive, welcoming, and open educational membership organisation for all women regardless of background, political beliefs, or religion, and it has sought to uphold these values and aims since the very first meeting in 1915.

With rural... ]]>

2016-06-13 16:36:13
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/nfwi-responds-to-comments-on-annual-meeting
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-welcomes-the-publication-of-nhs-england-maternity-review
The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) has today welcomed the publication of the National Maternity Review, a five year forward plan for maternity services.

Maternity care is an area of long-standing concern for WI members. Following a 2012 resolution passed by the membership calling for greater investment in the midwifery workforce, the NFWI surveyed over 5,500 women on their maternity experiences to find out how the shortage of midwives impacted the quality of care they received. Findings from our report Support Overdue (2013) were used in the official terms of reference for the National Maternity Review that is out today.

59% agree that women are penalised in the workplace for having children

84% say it is difficult to balance family responsibilities with work

83% agree world leaders must urgently agree a deal to tackle climate change

78% agree that there are not enough positive role models for girls

The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) has unveiled a report that delves into the views and opinions of its current members, and highlights some of the achievements from its 100-year history. The WI at 100 report was devised to mark the organisation's centenary.

2015-09-17 10:45:03
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/the-wi-at-100-report-unveils-members-views-on-britains-biggest-issues
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/74-of-women-believe-that-tackling-climate-change-cannot-be-left-to-future-generations
In research conducted by YouGov for the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) ahead of the UN Climate Summit in New York City today (23 September 2014), 74% of the women surveyed in Britain responded that they believe that responsibility for addressing climate change is in their hands, and that action is needed now. Challenges for future generations, wildlife loss and flooding were also top concerns for women when considering the threat of climate change.

When asked what worried women the most when thinking about the effects of climate change, 35% were most concerned about the challenges that will face future... ]]>

2014-09-23 09:16:53
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/74-of-women-believe-that-tackling-climate-change-cannot-be-left-to-future-generations
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/uk-flooding-2015-2016
Storm Eva brought gales and heavy rain on Christmas Eve, and there was further heavy rain and flooding to north-west England, north Wales and parts of Scotland from 25th to 27th. The most severe storm, Storm Frank, then hit on the 30th December.

Large parts of the country were battered by Storm Frank's heavy rain and gale-force winds, which prompted the most severe "danger to life" flood warnings to be issued for a time. The worst hit areas of England were Yorkshire and the south, with persistent downpours and gusts of 60mph through the week.

There is also still a lot... ]]>
2016-01-06 10:30:22
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/uk-flooding-2015-2016
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/WI-welcomes-scrutiny-on-National-Pollinator-Strategy
Following the publication of a report on the draft National Pollinator Strategy, where the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) gave evidence, Marylyn Haines Evans, NFWI Public Affairs Chair, said:

"It is really positive to see the National Pollinator Strategy come under some helpful scrutiny after so many calls to ensure a sustainable future for our pollinators. Whilst the draft Strategy makes some definite progress towards protecting pollinators, the Government needs to ensure a far more joined up approach to guarantee a stable way forward. Rigorous and transparent research will be a key aspect of identifying exactly what is happening to... ]]>
2014-07-28 09:51:20
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/WI-welcomes-scrutiny-on-National-Pollinator-Strategy
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-to-discuss-organ-donation
WI members will start a nation-wide conversation about organ donation

98% of WI members voted on the organisation's new campaign on Saturday (7th June 2014) at the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) Annual Meeting, imploring all members to discuss their wishes regarding organ donation with their family and friends. The resolution: "The NFWI notes that three people die every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant. We call on every member of the WI to make their wishes regarding organ donation known, and to encourage their families and friends, and members of their local communities to do likewise" will now... ]]>
2014-06-09 09:21:33
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-to-discuss-organ-donation
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/nfwi-responds-to-royal-college-of-midwives-report-into-postnatal-care,-24-hour-signs-and-symptoms
Commenting on a report on postnatal care to published today (Monday, 7th April), by the Royal College of Midwives, Marylyn Haines Evans, Public Affairs Chair of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) said:

"This report paints another disappointing and worrying picture of the state of postnatal care. This area remains a cause of concern and these findings clearly demonstrate that there is still significant room for improvement.

"The NFWI's own research, Support Overdue, undertaken with NCT last year, reports on the maternity experiences of 5,500 women and identified that as many as 60% of women want more postnatal support. Women... ]]>
2014-04-07 09:24:45
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/nfwi-responds-to-royal-college-of-midwives-report-into-postnatal-care,-24-hour-signs-and-symptoms
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/the-wi-cast-on-with-hobbycraft
The WI has adding a new string to their bow - or their needle to be precise - with the launch of its own brand of yarn.

The exclusive range with their retailer of choice, Hobbycraft, comes as the trend to knit was further boosted by model of the moment, Cara Delevigne who was spotted knitting back stage at London Fashion Week.

The partnership between Hobbycraft and the WI comes from a mutual passion and shared desire to provide people with the opportunity to build new skills. The WI, which dates back to 1915, has always been associated with traditional crafts,... ]]>
2014-03-31 11:08:25
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/the-wi-cast-on-with-hobbycraft
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-welcome-government-commitment-to-keep-its-care-not-custody-promise
The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) and the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) welcome today's announcement (Saturday 4 January 2014) of the Government's commitment to fund an extension of the liaison and diversion trial sites.

Commenting, Marylyn Haines Evans, NFWI Public Affairs Chair, said:

"The Care not Custody campaign has been very close to the hearts of many WI members. The commitment to extend the pilot scheme is an important step towards the coalition government's delivery of its care not custody promise, building on the positive commitments made in 2011.

"For too many years diversion has been an afterthought and too many people... ]]>
2014-01-04 00:15:02
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-welcome-government-commitment-to-keep-its-care-not-custody-promise
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/Statement_Public_Accounts_Committee_Report
7 April 2014

Commenting on a report examining maternity services in England, published by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee, Marylyn Haines Evans, Public Affairs Chair of the National Federation of Women's Institutes said: "The majority of women have an outstanding experience of maternity care and this should be celebrated, yet this report shines a spotlight on the fact that all too often patchy and inconsistent services are letting women down, largely as a direct result of gaps in the midwifery workforce.

"The NFWI's report, Support Overdue, examined how midwives are being stretched to their limits, and how... ]]>
2018-05-03 11:56:23
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/Statement_Public_Accounts_Committee_Report
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-get-the-centenary-party-started
For full details of centenary events, click here.

Centenary celebrations begin today (1 January 2014) for WI members everywhere as the specially designed centenary baton officially begins its journey around the UK. The baton, launched in Anglesey where the first WI meeting was held in the UK in 1915, will now travel throughout the 69 federations in England, Wales and the Islands to celebrate the links of friendship and community developed through the WI, and will finish its trip at the Annual Meeting in June 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall.

The baton will travel the length and breadth of the... ]]>
2014-01-01 00:15:02
https://www.thewi.org.uk/media-centre/latest-press-releases-and-statements/wi-members-get-the-centenary-party-started